'It's too much': Paediatric nurse's warning about after-school commitments

"This might ruffle some feathers, but it's a hill I will die on." 

There are a million different activities you can enrol your kids in these days.

But one mum, and paediatric nurse practitioner, believes parents might be packing their children's schedules a little too tight.

Mary, a mum of two, says kids’ commitments are growing faster than the kids themselves. 

Want to join the family? Sign up to our Kidspot newsletter for more stories like this.

RELATED: School camp is easier for boys – they don’t have to worry about periods 

"That’s too much"

Taking to Instagram, she shared her thoughts with her 68,000 followers, sparking a viral discussion in the parenting world.

“If your activity/sports schedule for your kids elementary age and below still allows for: rest, free play and normal family meal and bedtime routines then you’re probably doing alright,” she captioned her post. 

But she doesn’t think that’s the case for most.

“Most of the families I see in my personal life and in practice, are over-scheduling to where multiple of those green check marks are being sacrificed and that’s too much.” 

She admits her stance might “ruffle some feathers,” but says it’s a hill she’s willing to die on — both as a medical professional and as a mum.

“I firmly believe we are starting our kids in organised sports/activities WAY TOO EARLY," she writes on her gallery post. 

Mary says her daughter’s classmates are signed up for two to three after-school commitments.

“That’s A LOT!” she insists. 

While she’s not anti-activity, she argues that free play must still take centre stage in a child’s development, alongside sport and structure.

“If there is no time for free play, because they’re running from school, to home to eat a snack, to get to gymnastics to get home and eat dinner and do homework and get to bed at a decent time. You’re doing a disservice,” Mary argues. 

“I firmly believe (and see it in practice constantly), that an over scheduled kid in the younger years leads to an overstimulated kid, a chronically sick kid and later on, an anxious kid.” 

Are parents overdoing it on the activities? Image: Getty

RELATED: A kid can't come to my son's party because he's 'committed to his team' 

"One activity at a time"

In her household she follows one simple rule. 

“We have a one at a time rule in our house. One activity at a time,” she explains.

Her kids are only six and three and she wants to protect their time for unstructured play and rest.

Parents in the comments largely agreed.

“I 100% agree and also think youth activities are scheduled way too late. Elementary aged kids still need 9-12 hours of sleep a night and a lot of these schedules don’t allow for that much sleep,” one person agreed. 

“Yes agree but I think swim lessons are important especially if you live in a warm climate,” another added. 

“Kids that age also don’t need homework. Lots of kids enjoy structure, team work, being challenged and strengthening their body physically. There’s time for it all as long as parents are decent at planning!” a third shared.

Mary isn’t suggesting ditching activities altogether, just approaching them more mindfully.

“Protect those young years from overscheduling and overdoing it,” she explains. 

Raising Children Australia says kids can start organised sport when parents feel they’re ready.

Modified, non-competitive programs can help pre-schoolers develop physical and social skills. Junior programs also teach structure and help build confidence and encourage a “give it a go” attitude. 

What are your thoughts? Let us know on Facebook! 

Originally published as 'It's too much': Paediatric nurse's warning about after-school commitments